�Ӱ�ԭ��

Formerly Policy 150.25 Academic Integrity

1. Purpose
   1. University of Maryland Global Campus (“�Ӱ�ԭ��” or "University") is committed to building a culture where students, faculty, and staff act with honesty, fairness, and integrity. The University believes that academic integrity is the foundation of a meaningful education and the trust that learning depends on.
   2. This Academic Integrity Policy (“Policy”) reflects the values described in the University's Code of Civility and the Philosophy of Academic Integrity. It defines conduct that is prohibited at the University and sets out how the University will respond when those standards are not met. Equally important, this Policy supports students in understanding what is expected of them, developing strong academic habits, and becoming part of an ethical learning community. The University is committed to treating every student fairly, equitably, and with respect throughout this process.

2. Scope and Applicability

   This Policy applies to all current and former �Ӱ�ԭ�� students. It covers all coursework, academic assessments, and academic-related activities. All decisions made under this Policy are based on the weight of the available information, meaning the University will determine what most likely happened based on the evidence reviewed.�� This is also known as the preponderance of evidence standard.

   Academic integrity concerns may be reported and reviewed after completion of a course, separation from the University, or conferral of a credential. The passage of time alone does not preclude review, provided sufficient evidence exists to conduct a fair review under this Policy and its Procedures.

   1. This Policy aligns with the University System of Maryland ("USM") , approved on November 30, 1989; Revised December 16, 2022.
   2. This Policy covers academic misconduct only. It does not apply to:
      1. Non-academic misconduct, which is covered by �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy V-1.03 - Code of Student Conduct.
      2. Student complaints or grievances against the University, Faculty, or Staff, which are handled by �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy V-1.02 - Student Grievance Procedures and Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading.
      3. Allegations of discrimination or harassment, which are handled under���Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy VI-1.00 Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment, �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy VI-1.60 �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy on Title IX and Sexual Misconduct, and �Ӱ�ԭ�� Global Human Resources Policies.
   3. The University may use software and other technology tools to detect and deter misconduct and to support authentic student learning.
   4. This Policy is accompanied by the University's Procedures on Academic Integrity ("Procedures"). ��The Procedures explain the step-by-step process used to review possible violations in a way that is fair, consistent, and timely, and that gives every student notice and an opportunity to be heard.
3. Definitions for Policy and Procedures
   1. Throughout this Policy, and in the accompanying Procedures, the capitalized terms listed below are defined and used as follows:
      1. Academic Assessment – any submitted assignment, paper, assessment, evaluation, examination, discussion post, answer, lab work, or other coursework that will be used to determine credit, a grade, or academic performance.
      2. Academic Misconduct – any action or attempted action, such as the prohibited acts specified in this Policy, that gives a student or anyone else in the University community an unfair academic advantage. ��
      3. Business Day – Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern time excluding weekends, University holidays or University planned and unplanned closures.
      4. Case Manager – an employee of the University's Office of Academic Integrity and Accountability ("OAIA") trained to investigate Reports and determine responsibility. In rare cases, a University official with supervisory authority over OAIA may appoint another individual, including in exceptional circumstances someone outside the University, to serve as Case Manager.
      5. Consequence – any action that is taken by the University in response to a Student being found responsible for Academic Misconduct, including Educational Remediation and Disciplinary Consequences.
      6. Deadline – the date by which the Student or another individual must respond to a communication in writing; the time period required for a response begins on the next Business Day after the communication is sent. Any response that is due by a Deadline and is sent by postal mail must be postmarked by that Deadline.
      7. Documentation – information used to determine whether a violation of University policy occurred. Documentation may take various forms, such as oral or written statements, video or audio recordings, written documents, physical objects, or data.
      8. Educational Remediation – a non-disciplinary Consequence used by the University to help Students address gaps in knowledge, skills, or abilities related to academic performance and integrity, as determined by a Case Manager.
      9. Faculty – an individual contracted by the University with the primary or exclusive responsibility of teaching a course or courses for Students.
      10. Full Review– a process used by the University, following a Report, to gather information about a possible �ʴDZ���������violation and determine whether the Student is responsible for Academic Misconduct.
      11. Hearing - a meeting between the Student and a Case Manager for review of Documentation, for the student to be heard in response to Documentation, and for the student to provide additional information and Documentation.
      12. Initial Inquiry – the process to determine one or more of the following situations: 1) whether the concerns outlined in a Report qualify for Restorative Resolution, 2) whether concerns outlined in a Report should proceed to a Full Review, 3) whether the apparent misconduct potentially violates another University policy. If the third situation applies, then the Initial Inquiry will also be used to determine how the process for review and the determination of responsibility will occur.
      13. Notice – the document that specifies the possible policy violations and the section(s) of this Policy that may have been violated.
      14. OAIA – the University's Office of Academic Integrity and Accountability.
      15. Premises - Buildings, grounds, Web sites, or computer networks owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by �Ӱ�ԭ��.
      16. Privacy and Security Measures – temporary protective measures the University may implement during Breach of Classroom (“BoC”) Reviews to safeguard system integrity and sensitive information. Privacy and Security Measures are administrative and protective in nature, are not considered disciplinary actions, and are not subject to appeal. They are applied at the same time the Student is formally notified for the BoC Review.
      17. Report – any possible policy violation(s) regarding Academic Misconduct that is/are made to the University.
      18. Reporter – the individual(s) or source of the allegations in the Report.
      19. Retaliation – taking negative action against an individual because they submitted a Report or participated in the Full Review of or Decision about a Report.
      20. Restorative Resolution – an educational pathway that allows Students to acknowledge the impact of their actions, learn from the experience, and repair harm without receiving a disciplinary sanction. Restorative Resolution is distinct from a Teachable Moment and may be offered following an Initial Inquiry when the Case Manager determines that the concern meets applicable eligibility criteria. Upon successful completion, no disciplinary consequences are assigned, and no transcript notation is applied.
      21. Staff – an individual employed by the University with responsibility for carrying out administrative or non-instructional tasks for Students.
      22. Step Up Authentication – a process for online identity verification that temporarily blocks access to the online classroom(s) or other University computing resources, as defined in �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy X-1.12 Acceptable Use, until the Student is able to verify their identity.
      23. Student – any person who is eligible to enroll in courses, is enrolled in courses, or was previously enrolled in courses at the University and has been under review for possible Academic Misconduct at the University or in a University course.
      24. Teachable Moment – an educational response directed by OAIA when a concern does not warrant a formal Review. A Teachable Moment focuses on learning and corrective action rather than penalty and is documented by OAIA internally. It is distinct from Restorative Resolution, which involves restorative practices, meetings, and harm-repair components.
      25. Written or in writing – in the form of a letter, document, email, or electronic communication or transmission. If a communication is sent by the University to a Student via email, it may be sent to the Student's University-issued email address as well as any preferred email addresses recorded in the University's systems.
4. Guidelines for Academic Integrity
   1. Academic integrity begins with a choice: a choice to engage honestly, to do your own work, and to learn in a way that builds real knowledge and skills. Authentic learning means actively developing understanding rather than simply completing assignments, earning grades, or meeting minimum requirements for a credential. The University recognizes that grades and credentials matter, but it is genuine learning that leads to lasting growth, in school, at work, and in life. This Policy prioritizes student learning and promotes fairness in how the University responds when students fall short of these standards.
   2. As a member of the ��("ICAI"), the University is committed to the following definition of integrity: "a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to six fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage." At �Ӱ�ԭ��, these values are demonstrated by:
      1. Being truthful and avoiding deception, cheating, or fraud;
      2. Meeting commitments and expectations in genuine ways;
      3. Treating Students, Faculty, and Staff according to the University's standards and policies;
      4. Contributing to an environment of open, respectful communication that values different perspectives and the diversity of our academic community;
      5. Producing original work that reflects real knowledge, skills, and abilities;
      6. Using source materials properly and giving appropriate credit in academic work; and
      7. Using the University's computing resources responsibly as described in �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy X-1.12 Acceptable Use.
   3. The University is committed to preventing academic integrity violations through education, transparency, and student support. Students are encouraged to use the University's available learning resources before problems arise. When concerns do occur, the University's approach is designed to be educational first, through pathways such as Teachable Moments and Restorative Resolution, while also maintaining the standards and accountability that protect the integrity of a �Ӱ�ԭ�� education.
5. Prohibited Academic Misconduct
   1. The following conduct is prohibited as Academic Misconduct:
      1. "Alteration of University Records" – using University computing resources or any University digital or physical materials to alter academic documents or records, or to forge a signature on an academic document or record.
      2. "Breach of the Online Classroom" – gaining unauthorized access to the online classroom, which is also a violation of���Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy X-1.12 Acceptable Use.
      3. "Bribery" – offering money, goods, services or anything of value by a Student or on behalf of a Student in exchange for an academic advantage (e.g. passing grade(s), transcript(s), diploma(s)).
      4. "Cheating" – using deceit or fraud in an Academic Assessment, including but not limited to:
         1. Copying or attempting to copy from others on any Academic Assessment.
         2. Allowing others to copy from a Student on any Academic Assessment.
         3. Communicating answers, collaborating, or otherwise obtaining or giving aid to others for any Academic Assessment without prior approval from the Faculty member, when it is against the stated rules of the course.
         4. Using any unauthorized materials such as prepared answers, textbooks, written notes, or formulas for an Academic Assessment. Authorized materials are those that the Faculty member for the course has specifically approved for use for an Academic Assessment.
         5. Using any information found, requested, exchanged, or purchased on the internet (or elsewhere) that may include �Ӱ�ԭ�� Academic Assessment materials or responses to those materials (i.e., answers to assessment questions or projects completed by someone else).
         6. Creating and/or transmitting responses to Academic Assessments or projects, using methods that allow these responses to potentially be submitted to �Ӱ�ԭ�� or another institution by someone else.
         7. Copying, recording, or disclosing �Ӱ�ԭ�� Academic Assessments or project material to anyone else, including copying for another person’s personal use or for disclosure on websites, blogs, and other social media.
         8. Allowing others to complete an Academic Assessment or portion of an Academic Assessment for a Student.
         9. Purchasing or attempting to purchase any materials for the purpose of submitting any portion of these materials as one's own work on any Academic Assessment.
         10. Submitting work generated by artificial intelligence as one’s own work (including, without limitation, text, images, artwork, graphics, video, and audio) without appropriate attribution (e.g., quotation marks, in-text citation, and/or reference list citation).
         11. Obtaining unauthorized assistance in the preparation, research, or completion of any Academic Assessment.
         12. Submitting a substantial portion of a previously submitted Academic Assessment for another Academic Assessment without prior written approval from the current Faculty member.
      5. "Fraud" – taking any action, making any statement, or concealing any information to gain an unauthorized academic benefit. Fraud includes Misrepresentation, any deliberate act or omission intended to deceive a Faculty member or other University employee for academic advantage.
      6. "Improper Use of Course Materials" – selling, distributing, displaying, posting, uploading, publishing, downloading, or obtaining any course materials owned by the University or using such materials outside of typical classroom usage without the express written permission of the Faculty member or the University. Assessments, examinations, quizzes, and other similar evaluation materials developed by �Ӱ�ԭ�� employees are the intellectual property of �Ӱ�ԭ��.
      7. "Plagiarism" – presenting another person's work, words, or ideas as your own in any Academic Assessment without proper citation or attribution, including but not limited to:
         1. Copying significant portions of another person's written work word-for-word without quotation marks or other attribution, including work generated by artificial intelligence tools, in any Academic Assessment.
         2. Repeatedly failing to cite sources when using or paraphrasing others' work, ideas, or research, in a way that does not meet the citation standards outlined in course materials.
         3. Falsifying or making up citations, data, or other information in an Academic Assessment.
6. Report
   1. Any Student, Faculty member, Staff member, or third party who knows of or reasonably suspects Academic Misconduct may submit a Report to OAIA. Details on how to submit a Report are provided in the Procedures.
      1. Before submitting a Report, Faculty and OAIA Case Managers may address lower-level Academic Misconduct through a Teachable Moment, as outlined in the Procedures
      2. Anyone who is unsure whether to submit a Report may contact OAIA for guidance. Contact information is provided in the Procedures.
   2. Reports may also be initiated through University computing systems used to monitor academic data. To protect the integrity of University computing resources, student and employee data, and the University's intellectual property, the University may use Step Up Authentication and other security measures as described in the Procedures.
   3. When a Report is received, a Case Manager will be assigned to conduct an Initial Inquiry.
      1. A Case Manager will not be assigned to a Report involving a course in which they are currently serving as the Faculty member for the Student under review.
      2. A Case Manager may remove themselves from a case assignment when it is appropriate to do so.
7. Initial Inquiry
   1. When a Report is received, the Case Manager will conduct an Initial Inquiry to determine whether the information in the Report indicates that a policy violation may have occurred. During this process, the Case Manager may consult with the Reporter to gather relevant information.
      1. If a Report is submitted anonymously, the Case Manager will determine whether an Initial Inquiry is possible. Anonymous Reports may limit what can be reviewed, and as a result, the University may not be able to conduct a Full Review or take further action.
      2. Following the Initial Inquiry, the Case Manager may take one of the following actions:
         1. Close the Report - if the information does not indicate a possible policy violation, the Case Manager may close the Report. If the Report is closed, the case will be documented and maintained in accordance with the University's records management practices.
         2. Offer Restorative Resolution – if the concern meets applicable eligibility criteria, the Case Manager may offer the Student a structured, educational action plan, ��when appropriate. If the Student successfully completes the plan, no disciplinary consequences are assigned and no transcript notation is applied. If the Student does not participate or does not complete the plan, the case proceeds to Full Review.
            1. Educational Action Plan - a structured set of steps assigned by a Case Manager as part of Restorative Resolution, outlining the specific activities a Student must complete to address an academic integrity concern and demonstrate understanding of academic expectations.
         3. Proceed to Full Review - if the information indicates a possible policy violation that warrants further review, the Case Manager will send a formal Notice to the Student.
         4. Refer to Another Office - if the Report indicates a possible violation of another University policy, the Case Manager will consult with the appropriate office to determine how those concerns will be reviewed.
   2. Privacy and Security Measures
      1. Privacy and Security Measures are temporary protections the University may implement during BoC Reviews to safeguard system integrity and sensitive information. These measures are protective in nature and are not considered disciplinary actions. If a Student believes a Privacy and Security Measure has been applied in error, the Student will have an opportunity to be heard. Details on this process are provided in the Procedures.
      2. When Privacy and Security Measures are implemented, the Student will be notified in writing at the same time they are formally notified of the BoC Review. A Student will not receive a grade or a refund for any course that was in progress when a Privacy and Security suspension was issued if the final Consequence is Failure in the Course, Suspension, Dismissal, or Expulsion.
      3. No Appeal of the Initial Inquiry
         1. The Case Manager will determine the appropriate path forward following the Initial Inquiry. Neither the Student nor the Reporter may appeal or grieve the determination.
8. Notice to the Student
   1. If the Case Manager determines that a Full Review should occur, the Case Manager will send a Written Notice to the Student that includes:
      1. A description of the possible policy violations being reviewed;
      2. The relevant policy section(s);
      3. A link to or copy of the relevant policies and procedures, including possible Consequences;
      4. The name and contact information for the Case Manager;
      5. Notice of any Privacy and Security Measures in effect;
      6. Notice that the Student may submit an objection to the assigned Case Manager and that the Student has an opportunity to be heard if they believe any Privacy and Security Measures have been applied in error;
      7. A statement prohibiting Retaliation; and
      8. The Deadline for the Student's written response.
   2. The Student will have an opportunity to respond to the Notice in writing. Details on the response process and timelines are provided in the Procedures.
   3. Once a Report has been referred for Full Review, the Student may not drop or withdraw from any course under review. Details are provided in the Procedures.
   4. Objection to the Case Manager
      1. Upon receipt of the Notice, the Student may submit a written objection to the assigned Case Manager due to potential bias. Details on the objection process, including who reviews the objection, and applicable timelines, are provided in the Procedures.
9. Full Review
   1. Once the Notice has been sent to the Student, the Case Manager will conduct a Full Review by gathering relevant information and Documentation regarding the possible policy violations. Details on the Full Review process are provided in the Procedures.
   2. Documentation Overview
      1. At the conclusion of the Full Review, the Case Manager will prepare a Documentation Overview and send a copy to the Student in writing before any decision is made.
10. Opportunity to Be Heard
    1. The Student will have an opportunity to review and respond to the Documentation Overview and provide any additional information or Documentation before a final decision is made. Details on the response process and timelines are provided in the Procedures.
    2. A response that only denies the possible violations without providing context, explanation, or supporting information may not be given weight in the Case Manager's determination.
    3. The Case Manager will review the Documentation Overview and any response from the Student to determine whether the Student is responsible for the Academic Misconduct identified in the Notice. The decision will be based on the weight of the available information, consistent with the preponderance of the evidence standard described in this Policy.
    4. If the Case Manager finds the Student responsible, the Case Manager will review the Student's academic and disciplinary records to determine appropriate Consequences. The following circumstances may be considered:
       1. Circumstances that may decrease a Consequence include, but are not limited to:
          1. The situation in which the Academic Misconduct occurred;
          2. No prior disciplinary record;
          3. The length of time since any prior Consequence;
          4. The Student's level of post-secondary educational experience;
          5. Whether the Student acknowledged responsibility or expressed remorse;
          6. Genuine understanding of the harm caused and a willingness to repair it; and/or
          7. Steps the Student has already taken to address the behavior.
       2. Circumstances that may increase a Consequence, include but are not limited to:
          1. The situation in which the Academic Misconduct occurred;
          2. Prior disciplinary record, including prior Consequences for similar misconduct;
          3. Prior Educational Remediation that did not result in changed behavior;
          4. Harm caused to other students' learning;
          5. Length of time since any prior Consequence
          6. The extent of negative impact on an individual or the University community;
          7. The Student's level of post-secondary educational experience; and/or
          8. The nature and significance of the Academic Assessment involved.
    5. Educational Remediation
       1. Educational Remediation is a non-disciplinary Consequence designed to help the Student strengthen knowledge, skills, and abilities related to academic performance and integrity. Educational Remediation may include one or more of the following, or other similarly appropriate activities:
          1. Writing a reflection paper or apology letter;
          2. Meeting with the Faculty member to discuss academic integrity;
          3. Completing additional academic integrity training;
          4. Repeating or submitting an alternative Academic Assessment;�� or
          5. Receiving a lowered or failing grade on an Academic Assessment.
       2. If the Student does not satisfactorily complete the Educational Remediation, the Case Manager may modify the requirements or assign a Disciplinary Consequence.
       3. The Case Manager may issue both Educational Remediation and a Disciplinary Consequence. Details on timelines and completion requirements are provided in the Procedures.
    6. Disciplinary Consequences
       1. Disciplinary Consequences include, but are not limited to, the following:
          1. Failure in the Course – a grade of F in the course in which the Academic Misconduct occurred.
          2. Disciplinary Probation – a status for a set period of time during which the Student must comply with all conditions specified in the Consequence notification to remain enrolled. Additional violations during this period may result in more severe Consequences. The probationary period will not exceed three (3) consecutive academic terms.
          3. Suspension –separation from the University for a set period of time, after which the Student may return if all conditions specified in the Consequence notification are met. During the Suspension Period, the Student may not register for or attend classes at �Ӱ�ԭ�� or, consistent with USM policy, at another USM institution. The Suspension Period will not exceed two (2) consecutive academic terms. Before a Suspension is imposed, the Student will be offered a Hearing as described in the Procedures.
          4. Dismissal –separation from the University with the option to apply for reinstatement of all Student rights and privileges under Policy 158.00 Academic Standing Status for Undergraduate Students and Policy III-6.02 �Ӱ�ԭ�� Policy on Academic Standing Status for Graduate Students.
          5. Expulsion –permanent separation from the University with no option for reinstatement.
          6. Invalidation of Credit – removal of academic credit from the Student's transcript for the course(s) in which the student was found responsible for Academic Misconduct.
          7. Revocation of Credential – invalidation of an academic credential(s), including a degree, certificate, or any other credential offered by the University.
       2. All Disciplinary Consequences will be noted on the Student's transcript.
       3. The Case Manager may issue more than one (1) Consequence.
       4. A Student who receives a Consequence will not receive a refund for any course impacted by the Consequence.
    7. Decision
       1. The Case Manager will send a written Decision to the Student and to any affected Faculty member. The Decision will include the determination of responsibility, any Consequences issued, the Student's appeal rights, and any relevant Deadlines. If Consequences are issued, the Case Manager will notify all offices responsible for implementing them. Details on the contents of the Decision are provided in the Procedures.
11. Appeal
    1. A Student may request to appeal the Decision within the timeframe specified in the Procedures. The Director of OAIA will review the Appeal Request to determine whether at least one (1) ground for appeal is met. If the request is granted, the Student will have an opportunity to submit a written Appeal. If the request does not meet at least one (1) ground for appeal, it will be denied and the Decision is considered final. Details on the appeal process and timelines are provided in the Procedures.
    2. Grounds for Appeal
       1. The grounds for appeal are limited to the following:
          1. New or significant information relevant to the policy violation that was not reasonably available at the time of the Full Review; and/or
          2. Documented and specific deviations from the University's Policy and/or Procedures.
       2. Dissatisfaction with the Decision and/or Consequence is not a valid basis for appeal.
    3. Decision Appeal Panel
       1. If a Student's Appeal Request meets at least one allowable ground for appeal, a Decision Appeal Panel will be convened. The Panel will include three (3) �Ӱ�ԭ�� employees from at least two (2) different departments, including at least one (1) member with expertise relevant to the type of misconduct at issue. The Student will be notified of the Panel members in writing. Details on Panel appointment and notification are provided in the Procedures.
       2. Objection to Decision Appeal Panel Member(s)
          1. The Student may submit a written objection to any assigned Panel member due to potential bias. The Student must include the reasons for the objection. Details on the objection process, including who reviews the objection, and applicable timelines are provided in the Procedures.
          2. The decision regarding an objection based on bias is final and cannot be appealed or grieved.
    4. Appeal Decision
       1. The Student is responsible for explaining and documenting why the arguments in the Written Appeal are valid.
       2. The Decision Appeal Panel may only consider the written materials provided during the Full Review and any new information or Documentation provided by the Student.
       3. The Appeal Panel will issue a written Appeal Decision indicating whether any Decision or Consequence will be changed, along with an explanation for the decision. Details on timelines are provided in the Procedures.
       4. Modified Consequences cannot be appealed.
       5. An Appeal Decision is final unless the Appeal Panel determines that further review is needed.
       6. The process in this Policy and the accompanying Procedures is the sole right to appeal a Consequence for Academic Misconduct. Decisions and Appeal Decisions may not be appealed or grieved under Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading, Student Grievance Procedures, or any other University policy or procedure.
12. Records
    1. The processes established in this Policy and the accompanying Procedures are not legal proceedings.
    2. Parties may not make audio or video recordings of interviews, meetings, hearings, or any part of this process.
    3. OAIA will retain records relating to Academic Integrity according to the Procedures.
    4. ��The University complies with all applicable privacy laws governing the disclosure of student records. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA"), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g et seq., prohibits disclosure of student education records, including student disciplinary records and records related to the Full Review, without student consent or another lawful basis for disclosure. Additional laws and University business practices — including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”), the Maryland Public Information Act (“PIA”), and the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) — further govern the protection and disclosure of student records and may also apply depending on the circumstances.